New Drug Offers 24-Hour Blood Pressure Breakthrough

New Drug Offers 24-Hour Protection Against High Blood Pressure

A groundbreaking drug has been developed that provides 24-hour protection against high blood pressure, particularly during the early morning hours when the risk of heart attacks and strokes is highest. This development marks a significant advancement in the treatment of hypertension, especially for those who suffer from treatment-resistant cases.

Blood pressure is heavily influenced by a hormone known as aldosterone, which is produced by the adrenal glands. Aldosterone helps regulate the balance of sodium and potassium in the body, thereby maintaining blood pressure levels. However, in some individuals, the body produces excessive amounts of aldosterone, leading to the retention of salt and water, which in turn elevates blood pressure.

Traditional medications have long aimed to block the effects of aldosterone, but the new drug, baxdrostat, takes a different approach by directly inhibiting the production of this hormone. This innovative mechanism could offer more effective control over blood pressure, especially in challenging cases.

Global Trial Demonstrates Effectiveness

A global trial named Bax24 involved 218 participants from 79 locations worldwide. These individuals had treatment-resistant high blood pressure, meaning their condition remained uncontrolled even while taking at least three other types of medication. The study was led by Professor Bryan Williams from University College London (UCL), who highlighted the remarkable results of the trial.

Professor Williams, a professor of cardiovascular science, stated:

“The trial results are quite remarkable both in terms of the magnitude of blood pressure reduction and the fact that it was sustained across the entire 24-hour period. The effectiveness of this drug is unprecedented and suggests that the hormone aldosterone, which the drug targets, is playing a very important role in driving up blood pressure in many of the patients we struggle to control with existing treatments.”

He added that this discovery represents a real advance in understanding treatment-resistant hypertension and offers a major breakthrough in new treatment options. He emphasized that many people could potentially benefit from this new treatment.

Study Methodology and Results

In the study, participants either took baxdrostat or a placebo once daily in tablet form, alongside their usual treatment. Their blood pressure was monitored using 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), a small wearable device that measures blood pressure regularly throughout the day and night. This method provides a more accurate assessment of blood pressure control compared to traditional clinic readings.

After 12 weeks, individuals taking baxdrostat experienced a substantial reduction in blood pressure throughout the entire day, including during the night and early morning hours when the risk of heart attack and stroke is highest. The findings were recently presented at a late-breaking science session at the American Association of Cardiologists Scientific Sessions in New Orleans.

This follows an earlier trial involving 800 patients that demonstrated the promising effects of baxdrostat. In that study, patients taking the drug saw their blood pressure decrease by about nine to 10 mmHg more than those on a placebo after 12 weeks. Approximately four out of ten patients achieved healthy blood pressure levels, compared to fewer than two out of ten on the placebo. No unexpected safety issues were reported.

Previous studies suggest that such a reduction in blood pressure can significantly lower the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, heart failure, and death.

Prevalence of High Blood Pressure in the UK

It is estimated that 14 million people in the UK live with high blood pressure, but in half of these cases, the condition remains uncontrolled or resistant to treatment, even when taking a combination of two or three different drugs. These individuals face a higher risk of serious health complications, including heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease, and early death.

The British Heart Foundation warns that many people in the UK may be living with undiagnosed high blood pressure. Symptoms include headaches, blurred vision, chest pain, and nosebleeds, according to the NHS.

High blood pressure becomes more common with age, but other risk factors include a family history of the condition, ethnicity, an unhealthy diet, being overweight, smoking, alcohol consumption, and stress.

If you suspect you have high blood pressure, you can get it checked at a pharmacy or your local GP surgery. Many pharmacies offer free blood pressure checks for people aged 40 or older.

Future Availability and Implications

Baxdrostat could be available on the NHS as early as next year, with manufacturer AstraZeneca preparing to apply for regulatory approval within months. This potential availability could revolutionize the treatment of millions of Britons suffering from high blood pressure.

As research continues, the implications of this breakthrough extend beyond individual health, offering hope for a broader public health impact. With the potential to reduce the burden of hypertension-related diseases, baxdrostat represents a significant step forward in the fight against one of the most prevalent and dangerous conditions globally.